Getting into a motorcycle accident can be an incredibly scary and dangerous situation. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable in an accident than those who crash in traditional passenger vehicles. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), there are approximately 900,000 registered motorcycles in this state.
During the latest reporting year in the state, there were 529 motorcyclist fatalities and 15,328 motorcyclist injuries. Some of the most common injuries suffered by motorcycle riders include the following:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Head Injuries
Head injuries in traumatic brain injuries are a leading cause of death and disability for motorcyclists. Open head injuries such as lacerations and skull fractures are a common occurrence, as are injuries to the brain. Brain injuries can range from mild concussions to severe brain swelling. It is important that motorcyclists wear helmets when they are riding. Helmets protect from both open head injuries and traumatic brain injuries.
Spinal Cord and Neck Injuries
Related to head injuries, neck injuries are often associated with motorcycle accidents. These injuries can range from mild’s off tissue damage such as strained muscles and ligaments to severe injuries of the spinal column and spinal cord. The spinal cord begins at the base of a person’s skull, extends down the neck, and towards the lower part of a person’s body. Any injury to a spinal cord can lead to long-lasting damage in disability, including paralysis.
Lower Extremity Injuries
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), riders in motorcycle crashes suffer lower extremity injuries more than any other type of injury. Leg injuries are the most common type of lower extremity injuries rider suffer in a motorcycle accident and can range from broken bones to soft-tissue damage.
Internal Injuries
Any high-speed accident can cause internal injuries to a motorcycle rider in an accident. These injuries can occur due to penetration trauma, such as sharp objects breaking through the skin. They can also be caused by blunt-force trauma, which is a blow that does not break a person’s skin but still causes damage to a person’s internal organs.
Bone Fractures
In a crash, a motorcyclist runs the risk of breaking various bones in their body. A rider’s leg could be caught under a bike if it falls. A rider’s wrists and arms can be broken if the reader tries to catch themselves to break a fall. Ribs can be broken due to the force of an impact with a vehicle.
Road Rash
Any time a motorcycle rider makes contact with the surface of the roadway during a crash, they could suffer serious skin abrasions. This is often referred to as “road rash.” These injuries can range from mild skin tears to severe loss of skin that requires immediate medical attention. Road rash injuries are susceptible to infections and can leave permanent scarring.
Motorcycle Injuries Can Be Costly
Victims of motorcycle crashes often face an uphill battle. Most of the injuries we discussed above require immediate medical attention. Motorcycle accident victims often face costly medical bills and various other “hidden costs” associated with the crash. This can include a loss of income if the motorcyclist cannot work while they recover from their injuries. It is important for everybody on the roadway to be cautious. This includes motorcycle riders as well as drivers and passenger vehicles.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle wreck, contact a motorcycle accident lawyer in Sacramento to discuss your case and eligibility for compensation.
